Video: RSS in Plain English

I've tried to post this video through the YouTube interface several times. I spoke about this a few times, so here's the video explaining how great an RSS reader can be.

Update: That way easy. There must have been a bug on YouTube side when I first tried this feature. It works great now - so expect more videos!

Homestead 76

My sister is getting screwed from the 76 on Homestead & 85. They said total payment under $125. Isn't this illegal? Watch out for these shenanigans.

Update: Korynne got an update from the mechanic and has worked things out. She's happier with the service, but still paid the $$ on the work order. I've included some information about the legality of proper estimates from garages below. If Korynne had gotten the written estimate, this misunderstanding would have been avoided. Oh, and it isn't clear from the picture (grrr, cell phone camera), but she paid over $200.


From the Bureau of Automotive Repair: A Consumer's Guide to Auto Repair.

Giving Your Authorization

No work can be done until you receive an estimate and authorize the repairs by signing a written estimate or work order.

If the technician later determines that additional work will cost more than the original estimate, the additional work may not be done without your consent. Someone from the shop must contact you, describe the additional work and associated costs, and get your permission to proceed.

If you give verbal authorization over the telephone - for instance by saying, "Okay, go ahead" - the shop may proceed with the work, but they must make a notation...

Car for sale

Today, I felt like I rode to work on a horse - a greasy horse.

Am I selling you yet? Also, I felt a little like Alan Alda riding the dusty hills of Southern California. But I was on 85 driving in wet weather.

My pants are now greasy and my shirt is wet, but I made it into work.

As an aside, Collette busted her lip and chipped her tooth while we were waiting at the airport. Collette looks so bruised from the scatches on her face (from Abigail) and hands (a cat) to her busted chin (Abigail again) and rash around the mouth (pacifier?).

Touchdown!

The entire family has just landed at Oakland airport. We're waiting for our luggage - boy has this palce changed since I've last flown in here.

We look forward to seeing our family and friends in the bay area. We'll be here through January. Call us if we don't call you!

Abigail's mail

Thanks, Jake! Abigail loved getting your mail. Here she is right before it went up on the fridge

Abigail's Birthday Party

Today we had Abigail's birthday party. We continued our tradition of making pizzas and decorating cupcakes.

We had a great time, and Abigail's cake was a group effort between Laura and myself with Julie applying the finishing touches to the tea kettle pound cake.